Dez Bryant To Participate in Anger Management Counseling for 1 Year

If Dez Bryant stays out of trouble and attends one year of anger management counseling, a misdemeanor family charge dating back to an incident with his mother in July will be dismissed, according to Clarence Hill Jr. of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram.

The report states the Dallas Cowboys wide receiver was able to reach an agreement with the district attorney, giving him a chance to be relieved of the charge without having to enter a plea. His attorney, Royce West, discussed the situation (via Hill).

Both Dez and his mother are satisfied with today's decision. Ms. Bryant did not want charges filed against her son. After having an opportunity to talk to people who witnessed the incident she filed an Affidavit of Non-Prosecution with the District Attorney's Office. The family always felt they could resolve this matter.

Cowboys fans will probably be more interested to know that Bryant's attorney doesn't believe the wideout should face any disciplinary action from the NFL despite the fact the league has stated it will review the situation, as is usually the case.

The 24-year-old Texas native has struggled to avoid the negative spotlight throughout his career, leading to the decision to join a self-help program and being watched by security consistently. The hope is that it will keep him on the right path.

Let's hope the added measures, along with the new agreement, allow Bryant to wipe the slate clean and give people a chance to recognize his talent on the field instead of dwelling on off-field issues.

The third-year receiver out of Oklahoma State has reeled in 45 passes for 590 yards and three touchdowns for the Cowboys this season. He's been one of the team's most productive playmakers ever since he was drafted in the first round.

Yet his play on the field isn't usually the first thing people think about when his name is mentioned, and that's unfortunate. Hopefully he takes the opportunity given to him seriously and one year from now football is the main focus again.

The steps he's agreed to take are a positive sign. All fans can do now is sit back, enjoy his play on Sundays and hope nothing goes wrong in the six days between games.

Bryant should be in line for a long, successful career as long as he keeps his off-field actions in check. He certainly has the talent to be one of the best wide receivers in the league, but fans have learned over the years that talent doesn't always equal success.